Roaring Forties

Do it while you can!

Manchester United Rocks

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Cristiano Ronaldo came, conquered and left. But in Manchester, life must go on. Skeptics were expecting the downfall of the Red Devils especially when no new superstars were signed from the record fee which Manchester United has managed to recoup from the sale of the

Neighbours, Manchester City FC were quick in announcing they are the Manchester with their advertisement of Carlos Tervez in their light blue strips. Liverpool must fancy their chances of a Man U without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tervez. Chelsea felt that they finally have the Manager to step into the footsteps of Jose Mourinho. Tottenham Hostpurs started the season charging ahead and led the league in the first month of action.

Except for a hiccup against Burnley, Manchester United showed the world that they are a team and not a one man circus. The Red Devils stamped their class by having the best start in three years by posting 9 wins and only 1 loss in 10 matches (in all competitions). In comparison, they won only 4 times, lost 2 times and drew 3 times during the same period of August/September in the 2008/2009 season when Cristiano Ronaldo was at his prime with Manchester United.

Amongst the 9 wins this season, Manchester United overcame the pretenders to the crown in Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal.  

Season

2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

Played

10

9

10

Win

6

4

9

Draw

2

3

0

Loss

2

2

1

Goals Scored

8

25

21

Goals Conceded

4

5

7

Undoubtedly, the first two months of the previous season yielded more goals and if we were to review the goal scorers in the previous season, Cristiano Ronaldo did bagged 5 goals or 20% of the goals scored. The positive point for this season is more players got on the score sheet which means that United is not dependent on one or two scorers. 

Goal Scorers

2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

Wayne Rooney

 

5

6

Dimitar Berbatov

 

5

2

Ryan Giggs

 

1

2

Darren Fletcher

 

3

2

Micheal Owen

 

 

2

Nani

1

2

1

Paul Scholes

1

 

1

Danny Walbeck

 

 

1

John Oshea

 

 

1

Michael Carrick

 

 

1

Anderson

 

 

1

Cristiano Ronaldo

2

5

 

Nemanja Vidic

1

1

 

Park Ji Sung

 

1

 

Wes Brown

 

1

 

Carlos Tevez

1

1

 

Louis Saha

2

 

 

OG

 

 

1

Total

8

25

21

Even though it is only two months into the 2009/2010 season, Sir Alex Ferguson has proven yet again that Manchester United is a team. They have survived the departure of David Beckham and Eric Cantona, so life will go on without Cristiano Ronaldo or Carlos Tervez.

Cristiano Ronaldo had dominated limelight and hogged the possession of the ball. In doing so, players like Rooney, Nani and Giggs took a back seat. Now these players have the opportunity to show their worth. Sir Alex also managed the best bargain of the season by buying Michael Owen. His clinical finishing in the Man City game is only a glimpse of what he can produce for Man U.

It will be an exciting season yet again for Manchester United. Bring on Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Written by asme

October 3, 2009 at 12:02 am

Gunung Irau – 9th highest in Peninsular Malaysia

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Care to climb a top ten highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia at relative ease?

No Top Ten Highest Mountains

Feet

Meters

Location State
1 Gunung Tahan 

7,185

2,190

Tahan Range Pahang
2 Gunung Korbu 

7,162

2,183

Ulu Kinta Perak
3 Gunung Yong Belar

7,156

2,181

Titiwangsa Range Pahang
4 Gunung Gayong 

7,129

2,173

Ulu Kinta Perak
5 Gunung Chamah 

7,122

2,171

Gua Musang Kelantan
6 Gunung Yong Yap 

7,113

2,168

Ulu Kelantan Kelantan
7 Gunung Ulu Sepat 

7,089

2,161

Temenggor Kelantan
8 Gunung Batu Putih 

6,993

2,131

Kg. Woh, Tapah Perak
9 Gunung Irau 

6,923

2,110

Brinchang, CH Pahang
10 Gunung Benom 

6,913

2,107

Jerantut Pahang

Gunung Irau is undisputedly the most accessible and the easiest to climb amongst all of Peninsular Malaysia’s top ten highest mountains. It is the ninth highest standing at a height of 6,923 feet or 2,110 meters, a mere 262 feet or 80 meters lower than Gunung Tahan, the highest of them all. But in comparison to Gunung Tahan, climbing Gunung Irau is a walk in the park due to two reasons. 

Firstly, the track starts at the Gunung Brinchang trunk road which is the highest paved road in Peninsular Malaysia. This means that you do not start at sea level or in the lowlands but at a relative high altitude of about 6,000 feet.

Secondly, a return trip from the starting point to the peak can be done comfortably within 7 hours which means that there is no need for heavy overnight packs. Comparatively, all of the other ten highest mountains require trekking over longer distances, climbing much higher elevation and involve overnight camping unless you are a  physical extreme junkie where in one case, I know a lady who managed Gunung Korbu in an 18 hours return trip marathon instead of a  4 days normal trek. 

My first attempt at Gunung Irau was in August 15. Mei & I left K.L. 3.30 in the morning to meet up with our friends who had put up the night at the Kwan Tee Temple in Kg Raja.

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Stories of hearing a lady sobbing into the night prompted us to forgo our sleep and took the wee hours drive instead. We managed to reach on time at 6.30 am for the rendezvous. There were a total of nineteen of us. Break fast came next and promptly at 7.30 am we started driving to the starting point of the track. Unfortunately, our leader’s GPS took us to Brinchang town instead. We were delayed for about 30 minutes when Ee who has been to Irau before, took over the lead and directed us to the correct road and we were soon going past the Pallas tea plantation heading towards Gunung Brinchang. 

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We could hear a light air craft hovering above us and the next thing we knew, we were bombarded with white coloured pallets. For a moment we were stunned. It felt like we were attacked by a WWII Zero. The white pellets fell from the sky like rain hitting our car, the road and the surrounding tea plants. Then we realised that the pellets were fertiliser which is been sowed by the plane. What an interesting start to the trip?

We continued our drive up the mountain until we come across a hut with a wooden staircase. This is the starting point for Gunung Irau. We promptly parked our cars but with the new digital photographing culture, we lost another good 30 minutes as everyone wanted get their pictures taken.  01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We finally started 9.45 am. Being big group, there was a queue at the starting point. Mei & I pushed ahead as we did not want to be stuck with the stragglers. The starting point is a series of wooden stair case leading to a wooden broad-walk which ran about 200 meters.

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 It was very scenic and we could see the mountain ranges though the trees. At the end of the boardwalk, we started descending. This intrigued me as I thought we were supposed to be climbing.

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The descend took a good 30 minutes before we started climbing again. The terrain consist purely of roots and mud. It was a lot scrambling using all fours. The climb was longer than the descend and just when we thought it was never ending, we reached a summit just before noon. It was a beautiful spacious summit. We were pre-warned that it was a false summit so we knew we still have some ground to cover. Janice & Justin caught up with us 5 minutes later.

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 After a short rest, the four of us set out for the Irau summit together.

 Again we have to descend and as it was already past noon, we hurried as the turn back time was 2.00 pm.  After 20 minutes, we started the climb again. It was a good 30 minutes to finally reach the summit at about 1.00 pm. Yes, we reached the ninth highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. 

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We managed to rest a good 20 minutes before the second group arrived. All in nine of us made it to the summit. The rest were either too busy taking pictures of the scenic track or they were stopped at the false summit by Mr. Liau, our organizer who insisted a turn back time of 2.00 pm at the summit or 1.30 pm at the false summit. This was to ensure that everyone has enough time to get out before night fall.

I was pleasantly surprised that the track wasn’t too tough but it was very interesting especially the mossy forest which we have to trek through. The terrain was very challenging and muddy. It involved a lot of scrambling and climbing over trees and roots. 

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We left the summit at 1.45 pm and backtracked the same way back. Normally, the return trip is faster for the other mountains as it would be mainly descent but the Gunung Irau trek is shaped like a “W” where we have to descend and then climb to the false peak before descending again and climb the final stretch to reach the starting point. We couldn’t really improved on our returning time. As a matter of fact, I was tired out at the final ascent stretch and was relatively slower.  Nevertheless, we made it out before 5.00 pm and it was a truly great trek. It was most enjoyable!

Written by asme

September 30, 2009 at 11:54 pm

Kugan – Death of a suspected car thief

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kugan_pic_new_new

29 Sept 2009 – Finally, 8 months 10 days into the Kugan saga, it was reported that at least one policeman will be charged over suspected car thief Kugan Ananthan’s death while in police custody on January 20, 2009. It was also reported that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had still to decide on the charge. It would be interesting to find out who will be charged and what will be the charge. Ultimately, the final outcome of this case will be instrumental in deciding where the country is heading. Will the be a cover-up or a scrap goat who will be given a slap on the wrist to satisfy the bad publicity the police is getting. Or will this be a step forward to accountability for the actions of our police force.

What about the pathologist who did the first post mortem? Is there any investigation on how he could came to the conclusion of his findings which is so contradictory to the second post mortem report.

Pathologist Prof Dr Abdul Karim Tajuddin of the Serdang Hospital stated that he had died due to pulmonary oedema or fluid in his lungs.

Universiti Malaya Medical Centre pathologist Dr Prashant N. Samberkar declared in his post-mortem report that Kugan had suffered hemorrhaging in his trachea, chest, spleen, stomach, the back of his neck and spine, and there were also signs of hemorrhaging in his heart.  He had died of acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis which is translated into layman terms that he died due to the muscle cells disintegrating into his bloodstream and absorbed by the kidney which resulted in kidney failure and death. It was believed that Kugan could have been beaten up so badly that his tissues broke down, absorbed into his blood stream and caused his kidneys to fail and ultimately resulted in his death.  

217dfd528714094ddb18b362233116c7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second post-mortem done by the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre appeared to be consistent with the condition of the body which the family members found in the Serdang Hospital. The second post-mortem found that he had a total of 42 contusions and burn marks all over his body.

kugan-wounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 As we wait for the Attorney-General’s Chambers to take the next step, there appear to be a glimmer of hope in our system. It is now in the hands of the Home Ministry and the Attorney-General to do things right.

Written by asme

September 29, 2009 at 6:13 pm

Posted in Malaysia, Politics

Tagged with

Mountains Of Malaysia

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Been surfing for a complete list of mountains in Malaysia but have not been successful. Most if it comes in bits and pieces. There has been so much repetitions and misinformation that I started to compile my own list.

No Name of Mountain Feet Meters Location State
1 Gunung Kinabalu  13,455 4,101 Crocker Range Sabah
2 Gunung Trusmadi  8,669 2,642 Trus Madi Range Sabah
3 Gunung Tambuyukon  8,462 2,579 Crocker Range Sabah
4 Gunung Murud 7,946 2,422 Kelabit Sarawak
5 Gunung Mulu  7,795 2,376 Mulu Sarawak
6 Gunung Tahan  7,185 2,190 Tahan Range Pahang
7 Gunung Korbu  7,162 2,183 Ulu Kinta Perak
8 Gunung Yong Belar 7,156 2,181 Titiwangsa Range Pahang
9 Gunung Gayong  7,129 2,173 Ulu Kinta Perak
10 Gunung Chamah  7,122 2,171 Gua Musang Kelantan
11 Gunung Yong Yap  7,113 2,168 Ulu Kelantan Kelantan
12 Gunung Ulu Sepat  7,089 2,161 Temenggor Kelantan
13 Gunung Batu Putih  6,993 2,131 Kg. Woh, Tapah Perak
14 Gunung Tama Abu  6,930 2,112 Tama Abu Range Sarawak
15 Gunung Irau  6,923 2,110 Brinchang, CH Pahang
16 Gunung Benom  6,913 2,107 Jerantut Pahang
17 Gunung Apd Runan 6,900 2,103 Kelabit Sarawak
18 Gunung Gerah  6,898 2,103 Ulu Sepat Perak/Kelantan
19 Puncak 6850 6,850 2,088 Titiwangsa Range Perak
20 Bukit Batu Buli 6,830 2,082 Kelabit Sarawak
21 Gunung Bilah  6,812 2,076 Ulu Sepat Perak/Kelantan
22 Gunung Berembun (Wray’s) 6,811 2,076 Brinchang, CH Perak
23 Gunung Belatok  6,800 2,073 Titiwangsa Range Pahang
25 Gunung Bieh  6,800 2,073 Ulu Sepat Perak
24 Gunung Junction  6,796 2,071 Ulu Sepat Perak
26 Gunung Gedung  6,776 2,065 Taman Negara Pahang
27 Gunung Batu Lawi  6,713 2,046 Limbang Sarawak
28 Gunung Brinchang  6,664 2,031 Brinchang, CH Pahang
29 Gunung Tangga  6,609 2,014 Kg Rajah, CH Pahang
30 Bukit Batu 6,601 2,012 Kapit Sarawak
31 Gunung Wakid 6,562 2,000 Tambunan Sabah
32 Gunung Swettenham  6,434 1,961 Kg Rajah, CH Pahang/Kelantan
33 Gunung Shoid  6,387 1,947 Gua Musang Kelantan
34 Gunung Ulu Kechau  6,380 1,945 Tahan Range Pahang
35 Gunung Liang Timur  6,343 1,933 Tanjung Malim Perak
36 Gunung Liang Barat  6,342 1,933 Tangjung Malim Perak
37 Gunung Tumang Batak 6,334 1,932 Raub Pahang
38 Gunung Berhid  6,334 1,931    
39 Gunung Challi (Pondok)  6,307 1,922 Titiwangsa Range Pahang
40 Gunung Siku  6,284 1,915 Kg Rajah, CH Pahang
41 Gunung Tok Nenek 6,248 1,904 Titiwangsa Range  
42 Gunung Lumarku 6,234 1,900   Sabah
43 Gunung Rajah  6,201 1,890 Taman Negara Pahang
44 Gunung Noring (Anak Noring)  6,197 1,889 Ulu Perak Perak
45 Gunung Belatoh 6,168 1,880 Lasah, Sg. Siput Perak
46 Gunung Bintang  6,110 1,862 Kulim Kedah
47 Gunung Noring Timur  6,106 1,861 Kuala Balah Kelantan
48 Gunung Basor  6,030 1,838 Jeli Kelantan
49 Gunung Semangkok  5,984 1,824 Kuala Kubu Baru Selangor
50 Gunung Botak  5,960 1,817 Ulu Kinta Perak
51 Gunung Suku 5,896 1,797 Simpang Pulai Perak
52 Gunung Kuar  5,815 1,772 Kuala Kangsar Perak
53 Gunung Ulu Kali  5,814 1,772 Genting Highlands Selangor
54 Bukit Bujang  5,812 1,771 Cameron Highlands Pahang
55 Gunung Tiga Negeri (Triangle) 5,789 1,764 Ulu Kinta Perak
56 Gunung Raya  5,759 1,755    
57 Gunung Api 5,741 1,750 Mulu Sarawak
58 Gunung Besar 5,737 1,749 Lasah, Sg. Siput Perak
59 Gunung Warpu  5,724 1,745 Lojing, Gua Musang Kelantan
60 Gunung Chabang  5,612 1,711 Simpang Pulai Perak
61 Gunung Jasar  5,565 1,696 Tanah Rata, CH Pahang
62 Gunung Rajah  5,526 1,684 Bentong Pahang
63 Gunung Ulu Semangkok  5,473 1,668 The Gap  Pahang
64 Gunung Yellow 5,466 1,667 Cameron Highlands Pahang
65 Gunung Lotong 5,459 1,664 Maliau Basin Sabah
66 Bukit Tunggul 5,452 1,663 Bentong Pahang
68 Gunung Bubu (Manong) 5,437 1,657 Kuala Kangsar Perak
69 Gunung Pantat Lesong 5,380 1,641 Taman Negara Pahang
70 Gunung Bah Gading  5,318 1,621 Bidor Perak
71 Gunung Pulang 5,259 1,603 Ulu  Pahang
72 Gunung Pass 5,203 1,587 Cameron Highlands Pahang
73 Gunung Benarat 5,200 1,585 Mulu Sarawak
74 Gunung Perdah  5,173 1,577 Tanah Rata, CH Pahang
75 Gunung Ulu Jerneh  5,172 1,576 Bintang Range Perak
76 Gunung Tangga Lima Belas 5,163 1,574 Taman Negara Pahang
77 Gunung Tera  5,105 1,556 Dabong Kelantan
78 Gunung Rabong  5,047 1,538 Gua Musang Kelantan
79 Gunung Mentigi 5,036 1,535 Tanah Rata, CH Pahang
80 Gunung Ulu Titi Basah  5,030 1,533 Temenggor Perak
81 Gunung Duri 5,020 1,531 Cameron Highlands Pahang
82 Gunung Lebah  4,992 1,522 Batang Padang  Perak
83 Bukit Kayo  4,990 1,521   Sarawak
84 Gunung Lawit  4,982 1,519 Hulu Terengganu Terengganu
85 Gunung Tapis  4,960 1,512 Sg Lembing Pahang
86 Gunung Nuang  4,898 1,493 Ulu Langat Selangor
87 Gunung Rejam 4,856 1,480 Lasah, Sg. Siput Perak
88 Gunung Gelemat 4,856 1,480 Dungun Terengganu
89 Gunung Tinutudan 4,820 1,469   Sabah
90 Gunung Bedong  4,818 1,469 Cameron Highlands Pahang
91 Gunung Pankin 4,797 1,462 Taman Negara Pahang
92 Gunung Besar Hantu  4,795 1,462 Jelebu N. Sembilan
93 Gunung Mandi Angin (Chelah) 4,790 1,460 Dungun Terengganu
94 Pine Tree Hill  4,777 1,456 Fraser’s Hill Selangor
95 Gunung Ulu Merah  4,757 1,450 Hulu Perak Perak
96 Gunung Hijau  4,751 1,448 Taiping Perak
97 Bukit Kenandong 4,724 1,440 Gua Musang Kelantan
98 Gunung Ulu Perus  4,700 1,433 Taman Negara Pahang
99 Gunung Buah Bunga  4,690 1,430 Genting Highlands Selangor
100 Gunung Luis 4,678 1,426 Tawau Sabah
101 Gunung Stong 4,664 1,422 Dabong Kelantan
102 Bukit Gelugor 4,659 1,420 Jeli Kelantan
103 Bukit Napunan 4,629 1,411 Limbang Sarawak
104 Bukit Kumbong 4,590 1,399 Kapit Sarawak
105 Gunung Tui 4,583 1,397 Lipis Pahang
106 Gunung Chingkai  4,583 1,397 Kg., Jalong, Sg. Siput Perak
107 Gunung Diwangsa  4,578 1,395 Taman Negara Pahang
108 Gunung Ulu Bakar (Palas) 4,563 1,391 Taman Negara Pahang
109 Gunung Kuli  4,551 1,387   Sabah
110 Gunung Lingan 4,547 1,386 Crocker Range Sabah
111 Gunung Che Tahir  4,523 1,379 Dabong Kelantan
112 Bukit Ulu Telang  4,516 1,376 Kuala Kubu Baru Selangor
113 Gunung Gagau  4,514 1,376 Kenyir Terengganu
114 Gunung Menyelit  4,467 1,362    
115 Gunung Magdelena  4,419 1,347   Sabah
116 Gunung Talang  4,413 1,345 Temenggor Perak
117 Bukit Ulu Bakau  4,412 1,345 Kuala Kubu Baru Selangor
118 Gunung Inas  4,400 1,341 Lawin, Grik Perak
119 Bukit Repin 4,400 1,341 Ulu Langat Selangor
120 Gunung Penrissen 4,360 1,329   Sarawak
121 Gunung Rinangisan 4,350 1,326 Keningau Sabah
122 Gunung Ulu Soh  4,343 1,324 Kuala Kangsar Perak
123 Gunung Lumutan 4,324 1,318   Sabah
124 Bukit Kabut  4,321 1,317 Temenggor Perak
125 Gunung Padang  4,311 1,314 Ulu Terengganu Terengganu
126 Gunung Baha  4,294 1,309 Dabong Kelantan
127 Gunung Kambing  4,288 1,307 Kuala Krai Kelantan
128 Gunung Berangkat  4,254 1,297 Bertam Baru Kelantan
129 Gunung Tribulation 4,222 1,287 Danum Sabah
130 Gunung Saji 4,212 1,284 Dabong Kelantan
131 Bukit Semalong 4,203 1,281 Kapit Sarawak
132 Gunung Kasal 4,199 1,280 Gua Musang Kelantan
133 Gunung Perlis  4,195 1,279 Taman Negara Pahang
134 Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir) 4,187 1,276 Tangkak Johor
135 Bukit Tawai 4,177 1,273   Sabah
136 Gunung Panggang Paku  4,155 1,266 Cameron Highlands Pahang
137 Bukit Lata Pepalang  4,154 1,266 Kg. Tg. Pari, Baling Kedah
138 Bukit Ramin 4,134 1,260 Temenggor Perak
139 Bukit Kubang Ampang 4,098 1,250 Telemong Pahang
140 Gunung Temiang 4,098 1,249 Kuala Krai Kelantan
141 Bukit Skalap 4,049 1,234 Kapit Sarawak
142 Gunung Bujang Melaka  4,048 1,234 Kampar Perak
143 Bukit Batu Terus 4,043 1,233 Cameron Highlands Pahang
144 Gunung Sarut 4,032 1,229 Setiu Terengganu
145 Gunung Surat  4,031 1,229    
146 Gunung Kenderong  4,011 1,223 Grik Kedah
147 Gunung Biong  3,997 1,218 Batu Kurau Perak
148 Gunung Jerai  3,992 1,217 Kuala Muda Kedah
149 Gunung Reskit 3,989 1,216 Taman Negara Pahang
150 Gunung Gajah Terom  3,958 1,206 Kuala Berang Terengganu
151 Gunung Sempah 3,953 1,205 Ulu Yam Baru Selangor
152 Bukit Ulu  Laho  3,944 1,202 Belum Perak
153 Gunung Lucia 3,940 1,201 Tawau Sabah
154 Gunung Bokbak (Baubak) 3,934 1,199 Bintang Range Perak
155 Gunung Telapak Buruk  3,913 1,193 Ulu Klawang N. Sembilan
156 Gunung Irong  3,908 1,191 Jerantut Pahang
157 Bukit Baju 3,891 1,186 Lipis Pahang
158 Bukit Chintawangsa 3,886 1,184 Gua Musang Kelantan
159 Bukit Tudal 3,878 1,182   Sarawak
160 Gunung Rambong 3,848 1,173 Selama Perak
161 Gunung Kauran 3,832 1,168 Keningau Sabah
162 Gunung Lipat Sanggul 3,816 1,163 Kemaman Terengganu
163 Gunung Ulu Lenik 3,770 1,150 Kuala Kubu Baru Selangor
164 Gunung Lang 3,757 1,145 Pengkalan Ulu Perak
167 Gunung Ginivisan 3,750 1,143 Tambunan Sabah
166 Gunung Pisagan 3,730 1,137 Keningau Sabah
165 Gunung Guak Rimau  3,712 1,131 Ulu Perak Perak
168 Gunung Kubang Badak  3,650 1,113 Baling Kedah
169 Gunung Gapis 3,627 1,106 Raub Pahang
170 Gunung Penumpu  3,590 1,094 Taman Negara Pahang
171 Gunung Danum 3,586 1,093 Danum Sabah
172 Bukit Kutu 3,576 1,090 Kg. Pertak Selangor
173 Gunung Panampakan 3,563 1,086 Tambunan Sabah
174 Bukit Mudin Besar  3,547 1,081 Sik Kedah
175 Bukit Payong 3,540 1,079 Kg Kongkoi N. Sembilan
176 Gunung Laris  3,527 1,075 Jerantut Pahang
178 Gunung Terra  3,503 1,068    
177 Gunung Gajah Hutan   3,501 1,067 Sik Kedah
179 Gunung Harimau 3,501 1,067 Tawau Sabah
180 Gunung Maria 3,501 1,067 Tawau Sabah
181 Gunung Dulang 3,485 1,063 Jerantut Pahang
182 Gunung Peninjau  3,471 1,058 Chemor Perak
183 Bukit Serundum 3,462 1,055 Pancing Pahang
184 Gunung Lerek  3,441 1,049 Maran Pahang
185 Gunung Kachang  3,436 1,047 Kenyir Terengganu
186 Gunung Tebu  3,408 1,039 Lata Tembakoh, Besut Terengganu
187 Gunung Belalai  3,406 1,038 Taman Negara Pahang
188 Gunung Kajang 3,403 1,038 Tioman Pahang
189 Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) 3,399 1,036 Taiping Perak
190 Gunung Besar  3,398 1,036 Endau-Rompin Johor
191 Bukit Buruk Recam  3,346 1,020   Sarawak
192 Bukit Mersing 3,346 1,020   Sarawak
193 Gunung Tiong / Bukit Berambut 3,327 1,014 Endau-Rompin Johor
194 Bukit Batu Papan 3,318 1,012 Gua Musang Kelantan
195 Gunung Belumut  3,313 1,010 Kuala Kahang, Kluang Johor
196 Gunung Ambun 3,301 1,006 Lahad Datu Sabah
197 Gunung Pari  3,300 1,006 Ulu Chepor Perak
198 Gunung Perenggan  3,275 998 Wemg Kedah
199 Bukit Berentin 3,184 971 Gua Musang Kelantan
200 Gunung Pukin 3,173 967 Endau-Rompin Johor
201 Gunung Tembat 3,163 964 Hulu Terengganu Terengganu
202 Gunung Buda 3,159 963 Mulu Sarawak
203 Gunung Tampilat 3,159 963 Tawau Sabah
204 Gunung Bekok  3,126 953 Endau-Rompin Johor
205 Bukit Kelebor 3,105 947 Kenyir Terengganu
206 Gunung Tambuku 3,084 940 Tawau Sabah
207 Bukit Goram 3,074 937   Sarawak
208 Gunung Cerlak  3,065 934 Taman Negara Pahang
209 Gunung Tungku 3,045 928 Jerantut Pahang
210 Gunung Gading 2,972 906 Lundu Sarawak
211 Bukit Damar  2,956 901 Grik Perak
212 Bukit Lumut 2,953 900   Sarawak
213 Gunung Ayam  2,946 898 Gua Musang Kelantan
214 Gunung Pondok Dua  2,946 898 Taman Negara Pahang
215 Bukit Jeli 2,943 897 Jeli Kelantan
216 Bukit Kobeh  2,940 896 Ulu Perak Perak
217 Bukit Salih  2,933 894 Belum Perak
218 Gunung Gua Rimau 2,917 889 Kluang Johor
219 Gunung Paling-Paling 2,904 885 Keningau Sabah
220 Gunung Datok (Rembau) 2,900 884 Rembau N. Sembilan
221 Gunung Silam 2,897 883 Lahad Datu Sabah
222 Gunung China  2,890 881 Kaki Bukit Perlis
223 Gunung Aais 2,889 881 Jerantut Pahang
224 Bukit Kemahang 2,874 876 Tanah Merah Kelantan
225 Gunung Raya  2,860 872 Langkawi Kedah
226 Bukit Tujoh  2,844 867 Kuala Lipis Pahang
227 Gunung Perak  2,836 864 Pendang Kedah
228 Gunung Chirgoi  2,804 855    
229 Bukit Cergau 2,803 855 Kenyir Terengganu
230 Gunung Ulu Kemapan  2,802 854 Endau-Rompin Pahang
232 Gunung Chenuang 2,788 850 Ulu Langat Selangor
231 Gunung Chemendong 2,777 846 Kluang Johor
233 Gunung Tok Bidan  2,763 842 Sik Kedah
234 Bukit Bintongan 2,761 842 Rembau N. Sembilan
235 Gunung Pertawai  2,756 840 Endau-Rompin Johor
236 Gunung Beremban  2,753 839 Endau-Rompin Johor
237 Bukit Mabauk 2,749 838   Sabah
238 Bukit Sadok 2,726 831   Sarawak
239 Bukit Bendera 2,721 830   Penang
240 Gunung Jua  2,719 829 Raub Pahang
242 Gunung Angsi 2,702 824 Ulu Bendul, Kuala Pilah N. Sembilan
241 Bukit Berkelah 2,684 818 Gambang Pahang
243 Gunung Santubong 2,657 810 Kuching Sarawak
244 Gunung Ulu Baranang (Bukit) 2,654 809 Ulu Baranang Selangor
245 Gunung Kledang 2,651 808 Menglembu Perak
246 Gunung Sayong 2,605 794 Kuala Kangsar Perak
247 Gunung Ulu Kaho  2,600 792    
248 Gunung Besar  2,595 791 Jerantut Pahang
249 Bukit Kapal  2,592 790 Hulu Terengganu Terengganu
250 Gunung Angus  2,572 784 Taman Negara Pahang
252 Bukit Tapah 2,549 777 Temerluh Pahang
251 Gunung Bayu  2,549 777 Baling Kedah
252 Gunung Bahagak 2,539 774 Lahad Datu Sabah
253 Gunung Gadang 2,526 770 Hulu Perak Perak
254 Gunung Berantai  2,520 768 Maran Pahang
255 Gunung Tampin  2,507 764 Tampin N. Sembilan
256 Bukit Koh Mai  2,500 762 Padang Terap Kedah
257 Gunung Wollerstort 2,500 762 Tawau Sabah
258 Gunung Ampungara 2,477 755 Kenyalang Sarawak
259 Gunung Buri 2,444 745   Sarawak
260 Gunung Papulut 2,382 726 Grik Perak
261 Bukit Sembilan 2,372 723 Kuala Lipis Pahang
262 Gunung Pilong 2,343 714 Hulu Perak Perak
263 Gunung Mat Chinchang  2,339 713 Langkawi Kedah
264 Gunung Bidaj 2,260 689 Ulu Yam Baru Selangor
265 Gunung Ulu Tiang 2,215 675 Endau-Rompin Pahang
266 Gunung Bungsa 2,159 658 Kulim Kedah
267 Gunung Janing  2,150 655 Endau-Rompin Johor
268 Gunung Pulai  2,147 654 Pulai Johor
269 Gunung Lesung 2,146 654 Rompin Pahang
270 Gunung Hatton 2,126 648 Lahad Datu Sabah
271 Bukit Palong 2,116 645 Serting N. Sembilan
272 Bukit Chini  2,103 641 Tasik Chini Pahang
273 Gunung Muntahak  2,080 634 Kota Tinggi Johor
274 Bukit Patang 2,064 629 Kemaman Terengganu
275 Gunung Sumalayang  2,018 615 Kota Tinggi Johor
276 Bukit Galla 2,011 613 Labu N. Sembilan
277 Gunung Sigapon 2,011 613 Keningau Sabah
278 Gunung Tannabalu 1,955 596 Semporna Sabah
279 Gunung Ma’okil 1,895 578 Pagoh Johor
280 Gunung Bidai 1,889 576 Jerantut Pahang
281 Gunung Baling 1,883 574 Baling  Kedah
282 Gunung Janing Barat  1,780 543 Endau-Rompin Pahang
283 Gunung Hijau  1,732 528 Batu Gajah Perak
284 Gunung Panti Barat (Panti) 1,684 513 Kg. Lukut, Kota Tinggi Johor
285 Gunung Lambak  1,673 510 Kluang Johor
286 Gunung Mostyn 1,624 495 Kunak Sabah
287 Gunung Pock 1,601 488 Semporna Sabah
288 Gunung Senyum  1,594 486 Jengka Pahang
289 Gunung Singalong 1,499 457 Semporna Sabah
290 Gunung Gaya 1,493 455 Semporna Sabah
291 Bukit Tabur 1,461 446 Melawati Selangor
292 Gunung Lubok Tedong 1,420 433 Gombak Selangor
293 Bukit Batang Melaka 1,420 433 Batang Melaka Melaka
294 Bukit Banang 1,400 427 Batu Pahat Johor
295 Gunung Lepo 1,400 427 Ulu Langat Selangor
296 Bukit Saga – Apeh 1,381 421 Cheras Selangor
297 Gunung Sunting Baloh/Seputeh 1,339 408 Beruas Perak
298 Gunung Semanggol 1,280 390 Kerian Perak
299 Bukit Takun 1,180 360 Serendah Selangor
300 Gunung Beirut     Dabong Kelantan
301 Gunung Berumput     Lundu Sarawak
302 Gunung Koh     Dabong Kelantan
303 Gunung Kub         
304 Gunung Nenek Semukut     Tioman Pahang
305 Gunung Pueh     Lundu Sarawak
306 Gunung Raung     Kenyir Terengganu
307 Gunung Ruil     Gopeng Perak
308 Gunung Ulu Tirus         

 

This is the most complete list that I could come up with. 

The above list is by no means complete or perfect.

I would most welcome contributions and corrections to the above data.

Bukit Kutu – First Hike

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I have always wondered what Bukit Kutu was like after having read that it was an abandoned British hill station. Some call it Gunung Kutu which is disputed whether it is really a ‘gunung’ or mountain especially when Pine Tree Hill at the neighbouring Fraser’s Hill stands at 4,777 feet while Bukit Kutu was reported to be about 3,500 feet. As I read more, I found that it was formerly called Gunung Sekutu by the indigenous people, the Temuan who lived in the area. When the British took over, it was renamed Treacher’s Hill and a sanatorium was built there. Fraser’s Hill continued to thrive but somehow Treacher’s Hill faded into oblivion. This hill station was abandoned, the bungalows went into disrepair and finally the roads were overtaken by the jungle. Treacher’s Hill disappeared from the maps and was renamed Bukit Kutu.

Personal accounts from trekkers had given it a bad reputation for leeches and it was notorious as a trek where one would easily get lost. Trekking time was reported to be between three to four hours while the trek was supposed to be eight km long. I was intrigued with Bukit Kutu and jumped at the opportunity to climb Bukit Kutu when Liau invited us to join him for a trek there. Mei was very reluctant because of the notoriety of the leeches but somehow I managed to strong arm her to go.

June 6 – We woke up at 5.55 am for a 6.30 am rendezvous with Gary before proceeding to the group meeting point in Melawati at 7.00 am. Received a text message from Elise that she needed a lift. That’s blew my timing apart. Gary was early, so we picked him up at 6.25 am and proceeded to Elise’s place. We picked her up at 6.40 am and reckoned that 20 minutes was not enough to reach Melawati from Old Klang Road. Called Liau to inform him that we will proceed straight to Kuala Kubu Baru.

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The drive to KKB was beautiful and the sunrise which we witness along the way was truly magnificent. We arrived in KKB at 7.45 am and had a quick breakfast when we were surpised by Diane. She was on her way to a white water rafting trip when she saw us and stopped her car just to say hello. We joined Mr. Liau’ group at 8.05 am in a mamak shop where they were having their breakfast.

At 8.30 am, we proceeded towards Fraser’s Hill from KKB. Shortly after passing the water dam, about 7.7 km from KKB town, we took a right turn into Kg Pertak. A quaint little village with lovely single storey detached houses, Kg Pertak is a relocation site for the Temuan community. From Kg Pertak, we ventured straight into a dirt road and continued for about 1 km before the road proved to be inaccessible by normal vehicles.

We had to park our cars at the side of road. From where we parked, we could hear the sound of rushing river waters and this is the start of the Kutu trail (Elevation 827 feet / Coordinates N 03˚34.487’ E 101˚44.201).

It was time to warm up. Lum start with his pumping exercises, Commedian did his kung fu kicks while Joey did her extreme yoga stretches. I was going to conserve my energy for the trek. After 10 minutes or so, we headed out for the Kutu Summit at around 9.00 am.

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There were 13 of us. Only 4 of us have reached the summit of Bukit Kutu previously while the rest of us were all first timers to the hill.

The first part of the trek was easy with two metals bridges to cross. The second bridge had partially collapsed and we had to balance on the edge of the bridge.

Janice at the Kutu Bridge

 

About 1.5 km from the starting point, we came across our first river crossing. The water is about 2 feet deep. This river crossing could be a hazard on the return trip if it rains as the water level would definitely have gone up.

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We did not let up. We continue trekking and encountered another 2 river crossings. These were minor streams and could easily be crossed without getting our feet wet. After crossing the 3rd river, we were in the thick of pacat (leech) country. The treks were a bit muddy but were very manageable given that we have been having dry spells during the past two months. We quickly passed the pacat gauntlet without suffering any leech assaults except for one or two minor bites.

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We then started climbing. It was up hill all the way. After more than 30 minutes of continuous up hill, I swore it was like Nuang. When the going seemed to be endless, we reached the Giant Boulder area. It was such a relief. We covered only another 3 km from the 1st river crossing but it felt endless.

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We rested a good 20 minutes here at the Giant Boulder. We passed time by taking lots of pictures.

Kutu Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we were ready for the final assault. It is only less than 2 km more to the summit from the Giant Boulder. Knowing that we have covered more than half of the distance helped us pyschologically in our final push. It was a steady hike upwards towards our goal.

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The first to reach the summit clocked at about 11.45 am or a total of 2 hours 45 minutes. I only managed to reach at 12.15 pm clocking in at 3 hours 15 minutes. It was great feeling knowing that I managed to climb Buku Kutu on my first attempt where others have failed. The good weather and excellent ground conditions were instrumental in our above average times. Heard that the record for summitting Bukit Kutu was one hour forty minutes.

According to my GPS the summit of Bukit Kutu stands at 3,576 feet (Coordinates N 03˚34.487’ E 101˚44.201).

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Not bad for a day’s work. Trekking up 6.3 km with a total elevation of 2,749 feet in 3 hours 15 minutes. I stand at the summit pretty pleased with the trek.

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The going down was relatively swift. We started at 1.40 pm and we reached the river by 3.30 pm in under 2 hours.

It was time for a splash to cool down. The waters felt heavenly.

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We left the river at 4.30 pm for a great dinner at Ulu Yam Lama with great memories.

Written by asme

June 11, 2009 at 12:11 am

American Idol Best Season Ever

with 3 comments

American Idol Season 8 proved to be the best season ever, as all of the final 10 contestants were good enough to be the winners. Competition was stiff. Pure quality soared through the roof into the skies. It was the best quality American Idol of all seasons.  Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey would have won if they had competed in any other seasons but Kris Allen managed to upstaged both of them at the final stretch.

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Kris Allen excelled when it counted most, in the final show. The only difference in the final, was that he sanged the final song a touch better than Adam. In all honesty, the song just did not suit Adam’s singing style. 

While Kris walked away with the grand prize, Adam was truly the real star of Season 8. He has the most powerful voice which he managed to perfection with his voice control. His flamboyance overflow night after night, so much that you can’t get enough of him.

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For me, the highlight of the whole season was during the results night where Adam performed with KISS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exfq6ZtBjwA

It was an American Idol season which is unlikely to be surpassed in seasons to come.

Written by asme

May 24, 2009 at 2:10 am

Ryans Giggs ~ A True Football Legend

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29 April 2009 – It is only befitting that Ryan Giggs received the PFA Player of the Year for 2009, after a glorious career stretching 19 years where he is the only player to have scored in every season of the English Premier League since it was introduced in 1992. Giggs was also the only player to have scored in 11 consecutive Champions League seasons. A true and rare professional who preferred to let his footballing skills on the field do the talking. Undoubtedly, there are many equally talented players but none could Giggs in his commitment. How often can we find a player who played at the highest level serving one single club for two decades.

Ryans Giggs ~ truly a Football Legend!

Written by asme

May 3, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Posted in Football

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My Take on Spice of India

with 5 comments

March 5 – Picked up Gopal from his hotel and was cracking my head where to have lunch. Gopal, my friend from Chennai like most Indians are not too adventurous with their choice of food. The last time we had a meal was at the Bombay Palace which was a truly gourmet dream. It would be tough to top that and I decided to check out The Spice of India at the Pavilion.

The restaurant has lasted since the opening of Pavilion so I thought that it must be good. Secondly with the extremely high rentals at the Pavilion, I reasoned that they wouldn’t have lasted if they were bad.

We were promptly seated when we entered Spice of India and were given the menus. It was another 10 minutes before we could catch someone’s attention that we were ready to order. It wasn’t exactly filled. There were only four occupied tables and there were three waiters in all.

Our orders were Tomato Shorba, Butter Naan, Tandoori Roti, Garlic Naan, Dhal Palak, Murgh Tikka Masala, Mango Lassi and mineral water.

Two bottles of mineral water was delivered with one glass. I had to ask for the second glass.

The mango lassi tasted like sour mango juice with a small part of milk. I was used to rich sweet creamy mango taste and not a sour mango.

Then came our Tomato Shorba. My verdict would be that it is Campbell Tomato Soup mixed with some spices.

Fortunately, the roti, naan, the Murgh Tikka Masala and the Dhal Palak were credible. Not exactly the best but passable.

Service was very bad. The waiters were not attentive and did not look out for the customers. Instead, the customers had to call them time and again. 

Finally, when Gopal asked for finger bowls, he was politely told that there were wash basins located at the end of the restaurant. Some may think this is more hygienic than guests dipping and washing their fingers on the table in tiny lemon water bowls but this is an Indian restaurant and not having finger bowls is akin to not serving papadams.

Lastly, the bill came to RM 140 for two. Not cheap! Not expensive for an establishment on the upper floor of Pavilion but for the poor service and for the not so fantastic food, I rather pay more elsewhere.

My Take - Will never go to Spice of India again.

Written by asme

March 6, 2009 at 1:15 am

Posted in Food

Tagged with , ,

My Take on Radius International Hotel’s Coffee House

with 3 comments

March 5 – Met up with an old friend and had breakfast at the coffeehouse ( called Kopitiam but nothing resembling one) in Radius International Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The first impression was that the place looked pretty cramped up and the breakfast buffet spread looked pretty bad. The Teo Chew porridge did not have enough condiments. The fried keow teow looked underfried.

I settled for the local favourite which is the nasi lemak. On appearance, it looked okay. They had freshly cut cucumbers and half boiled eggs to accompany the rice. The sambal looked a bit watery.

Overall, it looked much better than the taste. The nasi tasted like normal boiled rice. The sambal which makes or break the dish was absolutely horrendous. It was such a put off that I felt like nauseated after the tiny portion which I took.

My Take - Absolutely bad. Forget about having breakfast at the Radius International Hotel.

Written by asme

March 6, 2009 at 12:31 am

Super Ben

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March 1, 2009
– It was the battle for the Carling Cup. Sir Alex fielded four youngsters, Ben Foster, Jonathan Evans, Darron Gibson and Danny Walbeck while leaving Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick and Edwin van der Sar in the stands.

As it turned out, Tottenham Hotspurs, the defending champions proved to be worthy adversary and Manchester United just couldn’t score despite 23 shots and possessing 53% of the ball. Tottenham Hotspurs had their run which was spearheaded by Roman Pavlyuchenko, Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent keeping the Red Devils’ defense busy. Goalkeeper Ben Foster was forced to make several saves while Sir Alex had to send in reinforcement in the form of Nemanja Vidic.

At the end of 90 minutes, there was still no score. Another 30 minutes, the teams were still tied.

It was then down to the lottery of penalties. Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tervez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson all converted their penalties perfectly. The hero of the day was Ben Foster, 25 years old, third choice at Old Trafford rose to the occasion and stopped Jamie O’Hara’s first spot kick.  The save obviously pounded pressure on Tottenham Hotspurs and David Bentley succumbed to the pressure when he kicked his penalty wide.

Manchester United – 2009 Carling Cup Champions

Written by asme

March 5, 2009 at 7:39 pm